Why spiritual leaders like Baba Ramdev sense Modi's era ending
These self-styled gurus feel a change in the political climate is imminent.
It is not without reason that the staunch supporter of Narendra Modi, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, has changed his tone, and it is surprising that those who were once staunch advocates of Hindutva, considering the ideologies of Savarkar and Nathuram Godse as the best—like Dhirendra Shastri—are now suddenly finding Mahatma Gandhi's ideas appealing. This is aptly captured by the famous Urdu poet Akbar Allahabadi's couplet:
The movement of the wind indicates a change in the weather
Different flowers will bloom, the songs of the nightingale will be fewer
The standard of decency will change in the eyes of the world
Those who were once proud will be the least among all
In fact, these self-styled religious leaders have begun to sense that the times are changing. They have gauged the direction of the wind and are now eager to align themselves with the changing dynamics. Ramdev, who was until recently considered a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Modi, has now made a statement that can be seen as a 180-degree shift in his stance.
He has sharply criticized the current circumstances in India under Modi's rule. On the occasion of Independence Day, yoga guru Baba Ramdev made a significant statement regarding government jobs, the education system, and the political atmosphere. Accusing corruption in government recruitments, he said,
There is large-scale irregularity in jobs. If the system is not reformed, the country might witness another major movement. Baba Ramdev said that problems related to the education system are emerging in many places across the country. He mentioned that even small children are complaining that there are no teachers in some places, and there is a lack of water and toilet facilities. Baba Ramdev stated that hatred should not be spread in the name of caste, class, and community. India also faces external challenges, so the people of the country should maintain mutual unity.
Meanwhile, a statement by self-styled religious leader Dhirendra Shastri is also being discussed these days. There is speculation about whether Dhirendra Shastri is also undergoing a change of heart.
In a statement given to a news channel, he said that he likes Mahatma Gandhi's ideas. During a show on the channel, when a journalist asked him—better ideas, Mahatma Gandhi or Nathuram Godse—Dhirendra Shastri said,
Mahatma Gandhi is a great person revered worldwide from our India. A person who came as a lawyer and left as a saint! These are the personalities who have illuminated the name of our country. Now, seeing this, some people will say our ideology is different, so we believe in Gandhi Ji, that's all.
Baba Ramdev is also upset with the statement of BJP MP and film actress Kangana Ranaut. Recently, Kangana Ranaut made a controversial statement about Gen Z during a student protest. She used words like 'gutter' for this generation, which angered many people. The BJP MP's statement came during the Parliament march when students across the country were agitated over the NEET paper leak. Recently, Swami Ramdev reacted to Kangana Ranaut's 'gutter generation' statement during a conversation with a news channel.
When it was mentioned to him that the actress used such words for a generation, the yoga guru began questioning her education. Ramdev said,
How was her childhood? How was her youth? How were her past deeds? I don't want to talk about such people. He further said—calling any country's youth 'gutter' is a sign of a disturbed mind. Her party members should take some action against her.
When Ramdev was further told that Kangana has been an admirer of his yoga, he disagreed, responding,
If someone praises my yoga, should I forgive their sins? He further said—today's youth is not a caste. Today's youth is everything. Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Dalit, Adivasi, Vanvasi, all these have children. Today, the youth has a lot of strength. No one can deny that. This youth has shaken everyone, good and bad alike.
Kangana Ranaut, reacting to yoga guru Baba Ramdev's comments, said, Baba Ji, don't daydream about my youth or bedroom. In fact, Kangana reacted to Baba Ramdev's comment, in which he had said that Kangana's 'generation gutter' statement is a sign of a disturbed mind. Kangana retaliated against Baba Ramdev through an Instagram story, writing,
"Baba Ji, don't daydream about my youth or bedroom. Only someone who relies on rumors and gossip can think like that. She further wrote—I have never been reprimanded by the Supreme Court for false or fake medical claims. So don't lecture me on character. Whatever your character is, mine is much better. No fraud has been found here."
In fact, Baba Ramdev, Dhirendra Shastri, or those who now feel that Modi's days are numbered, want to keep their shop running. They want to keep their business thriving. Therefore, it doesn't matter to such people whether Congress or BJP is in power. They always remain sycophants of power. There is a saying—wherever there is pudding, there is a crowd. In the coming days, many self-styled religious leaders, business tycoons, and renowned Modi-supporting journalists will be seen changing sides with the changing times and circumstances.